How Making a Small Change Can Create The Perfect Japan Trip

How Making a Small Change Can Create The Perfect Japan Trip

What if I was to tell you that there’s a formula that could make your Japan trip instantly better? And it’s not about money. It’s not even about when you visit Japan. It’s actually a mindset shift that I’ve been using for years. And I while making a mess, I’m going to show you in this video. [Music] You might have heard about the golden triangle. This, golden triangle that. But what exactly is the golden triangle? The Golden Triangle is actually a route that is traveled by a lot of tourists where they only visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, therefore making a triangle. These cities are very accessible to tourists with high-speed bullet trains, incredible public transport, lots of museums, and really good infrastructure. However, there is another way to do things. There are so many firsttime must visit locations. I’m talking Fushimi Inari, Hiomizi, Shibuya, Asaka, Doburi, and so much more. That actually makes visiting the Golden Triangle an obvious choice, but they can be crowded. And if you’ve had an idea to travel there, then most likely other tourists have too. What is my recommendation? I’ve been traveling Japan for over 10 years, and I’ve been tweaking my travels, and I’ve realized that using a 7030 ratio really does make or break a trip. I’m talking either 70% of the Golden Triangle and 30% other locations or the other way round. After all, it’s nearly impossible to travel Japan without passing through some of those major cities. So, you might as well take advantage. The Golden Triangle might actually sound amazing, but it does actually have its limits. There are higher costs. I have already mentioned crowds and things can feel a little bit more touristy in some of the locations and although it is amazing a lot of tourists end up regretting not adding more variety to their trip. So let’s use a 7030 rule. The reason for traveling the golden triangle as your 70% is infrastructure. These three cities are connected by incredible infrastructure. I’m talking about the Shinkansen, the bullet train, and some amazing local train networks that will make you want to jump on the next train that you see. It’s legendary. It’s not just transportation. It’s an experience, and it’s one that I think every tourist should experience when they visit Japan. Another reason for traveling through the Golden Triangle is language barrier. There can be a language barrier away from these free cities. And these three cities are the ones that are best set up for international tourists with the most Englishfriendly locations. And let’s not forget about the iconic factor because the Golden Triangle, it holds about 90% of the images and videos that you’ve seen online and in movies. I’m not going to lie, a trip to these three cities can’t nearly be perfect. They hold a lot of cultural importance, historical significance, and modern touches, too. But when you look at a map of Japan, you actually realize that the Golden Triangle is a very small section of what the whole country has to offer. And it starts to make you wonder why not travel to the rest of it. So the 7030 ratio, 70% golden triangle, 30% rural locations. I’m going to give you some ideas on how you can fill up your 30%. If you’re traveling Japan for a week, then try to factor in two rural days. If it’s 10 days, then three rural days, and if it’s 2 weeks, then four. And you can do this in multiple ways. Either basing yourself in one of the main cities and doing day trips away, or actually my preferred choice, which is moving and staying overnight in some of these locations. If you’re basing yourself in Tokyo, then consider visiting locations like Aiza Kamatsu, a little bit further north, Sai Moroka. These are all accessible as day trips, but make for excellent overnight locations. And if you prefer doing the day trip option, then I’ve put a whole video out about it from Tokyo. However, some of my favorites include Hakon, Niko, Ashiaga, Fujikiawaucho, and so much more. You’ve planned Kyoto and Osaka. you’ve had a great time, visited, seen the sites, but you want to get a little bit of a different slice of life of Japan, then my suggestion is that you move a little bit south and base yourself in Okyama, where you’ll be able to do some incredible day trips to Kurashiki, for example, Onomichi, and even have access to Hiroshima and Himei, all from one incredible location where a lot of tourists don’t actually base themselves. Look, there’s a monkey. Cool. I hadn’t noticed. I actually brought this back from a trip when I climbed Mount Fuji, and it got me thinking, a reminder that you need to prepare and plan and know when things are available for you. For example, climbing Mount Fuji is only a summer activity, and you might want to set some dates down for any of the museums or places that you want to visit that have timed entry. Some of these you need to actually book months in advance. Okay, guys, the important bits cuz this will really make or break your trip. You need to think about your interests. Food, history, nature, art. You can actually match your interests with different regions. Think Canazawa for history. Osaka or Fukuoka for food. Nature? Well, Hokkaido and Nagago come to mind. And art? Well, why not visit Naosima, the famous art island? Yeah, it’s obvious there are many mistakes that tourists can make. 100% of the golden triangle can sound great, can be great, but can be a little bit much too. And 100% of rural locations can maybe become a little bit lonely if you’re not careful. Might actually have you questioning, have I missed Japan’s biggest attractions, too? So, the 7030 ratio actually avoids these extremes. and I’ve been doing this for years. So, think preparing your trip as you would as a block, but adding a little bit of a side quest. Maybe visiting Nago, Takayama from Tokyo, or visiting or getting from one location to the next via some less visited locations can be a great option, too. Remember, guys, these hidden gems, they don’t stay hidden for very long. They won’t be hidden forever, so you need to get to them fast. Places like Canazawa just a few years ago were hidden gems but are now becoming increasingly popular. For example, Shiraakawagago named one of the most beautiful towns in the world is obviously going to attract a lot of tourists. So, you better get there before they do. What does hidden gem even mean, guys? Like really, what does a hidden gem even mean nowadays? actually not necessarily a place that is a secret, but rather a place where there are less people, less tourists, and it’s less crowded, or a location that has a completely different feel to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. And there are so many in Japan. Traveling 7030 really changes everything. It’s no longer about the when you go. It’s not even about the where you go, but it’s about the finding your own trip with your own itinerary, your own interests, and making it unique to you. And you know what? Food itself can actually make it worth the visit. Hida beef in Takayama is my favorite Wagyu in the whole of Japan. And a visit to Hiroshima for Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, it’s really a no-brainer. Get away from what everyone tells you to do and create your own itinerary. Make it yours. Make it interesting and make it unforgettable. I have a whole planning video that I put out on how to plan your perfect trip to Japan. So, if you’re a first-time traveler or a second or a third and want a little bit of guidance, then you should check that one out. [Music] But traveling rurally actually comes with a little bit of a warning. You need to plan these locations much better than you would a city. Buses and trains might not run as frequently. And the last bus or the last train might actually be quite early on in the day. So, you most definitely don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere eating at restaurants or going to izakaya. And you might find that there are no foreign menus and everything is in Japanese, which is why I actually use Sakura mobile to Google Translate and make sure that I’m not lost when I’m traveling around these locations, checking on the last pass, last train, etc. There’s an affiliate link here if you’re interested helping out the channel for something that you are probably going to get anyway. It might be a little bit more daunting to travel to these rural locations. It might be a little bit scary to think that there’s not so much English, but the reward will be a unique trip, a trip that is yours, and a trip that will certainly be unforgettable with many memories and incredible experiences that you’ll be talking about and probably dreaming about for years to come. So guys, as you prepare to go on your incredible Japan trip, I do hope that you’ve added 30% to your trip to more rural, less known locations or made adjustments so that you can get from A to B via C. And if you haven’t, it’s not too late. On that note, I can’t wait for mine. See you.

There is a formula that can make your Japan trip instantly better! Ive been using it for years and I show you in this video!

Most travelers stick to the famous Golden Triangle of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, but that’s only a small slice of what Japan has to offer. In this video, I’ll reveal the formula I use to design the perfect Japan itinerary — one that balances the must-see highlights with authentic, less-crowded destinations. You’ll learn why visiting only the big three cities can leave you missing out, how to add hidden gems and rural escapes to your plan, and practical tips for making your trip smoother, more affordable, and unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time in Japan or a return visit, this guide will help you plan smarter and experience Japan beyond the obvious.

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